A SUPPORT group for those living with addiction, hurts and hang-ups is due to hold its first session in November.

Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centred 12-step recovery programme which started originally in California in 1991, will have a home within the Forest of Dean Community Church, Cinderford.

The first session will be on Tuesday, November 3 from 7pm and all are welcome to attend. There is no need to book, and despite being Christ-centred, any faith is invited. Families and friends who have been affected by someone’s struggles can also go along, and there is no requirement to speak.

The group offers the space to discuss a range of areas that people may need help with including addictions to alcohol, narcotics, gambling, food, sex and relationships. It also includes those living with codependency issues, anger issues, depression, anxiety and much more.

Michelle Williams, Forest of Dean Community Church’s Ministry Leader for Celebrate Recovery said: “Celebrate Recovery was originally set up in a church in America, wanting to help people recover from all sorts of different things.

“There are things out there like AA and NA that deal with alcoholics and narcotics and come from a background of surrendering to a higher power, but what this particular church wanted to do was deal with things wider; with drugs and alcohol, but all sorts of things that people need to recover from in life like depression and eating disorders - but also have a Christian input.

“The programme was written like that at the time, and it’s been improved upon over the years. It’s a similar 12-step, 8-principles programme but it’s Christian-centred rather than higher-power centred. So, you don’t have to be a Christian to come, but when you arrive we will sing a couple of songs, we will pray and then we’ll do the teaching. It’s about supporting you and your recovery, not summoning you to be a Christian.”

Michelle has been a member of the church since 2012. She was a member of the leadership team in the past, and performs various roles now. Whilst this will be her first experience with Celebrate Recovery, she has had experience with people living with addiction, eating disorders and mental health conditions. She said it’s these personal connections that prompted her to become involved with the group in Cinderford.

The Ministry Leader explained that Cinderford and the wider Forest of Dean will benefit from the group - citing the areas struggles with addiction and unemployment.

Michelle said: “I’ve only lived here for 14 years, but I know historically it was a really booming place with all the mines and when all that collapsed it really went down into a depression.

“Then over the last 30 years there’s been lots of drug issues, lots of issues to do with employment which has impacted people’s mental health, and we’re quite isolated in the Forest with poor public transport.

“As a result, it’s an area of low aspirations, quite a lot of drug use and poor mental health - with lots of things that go along with that, so I think there’s lots of people in need of some hope and in need of something different.”

When groups like Celebrate Recovery are set up in the community, it’s common for local services such as GPs to direct patients to the group. Michelle said there has already been an indication of this, as volunteers have given information leaflets to probation offices, GPs, social services and the Forest Voluntary Action Forum. The hope is these local agencies will signpost those in need using their literature.

Michelle added: “Often, people go to professionals and they can only do so much. We can offer more support, day-to-day support and ongoing support that perhaps professionals can’t do within their role.”

Some ongoing support available includes separate men and women’s support groups, common ground cafe, and opportunities to build connections within the community.

As with any new group being introduced in the community, there will be challenges ahead. Celebrate Recovery in the Forest of Dean does not yet have a local man to run the male sessions, so the group will use someone from Celebrate Recovery, Gloucester for the time being.

Further challenges may be faced along the way depending on who decides to join the group. As Michelle explained, one test may be getting to know the clientele and finding out how best to support them using the resources and experience they have.

The volunteers who run the group do not have specific qualifications. Some may have lived-experience of some of the struggles the group helps with, but they all have the desire to help the community.

Michelle explained that the group offers the opportunity to open up and perhaps discuss what’s happened over the previous week. It’s a safe space to share openly, but there’s no requirement to do so. Sometimes, simply being around others who share their experience can be beneficial.

She said: “I think fundamentally, a lot of issues stem from a lack of hope, a lack of faith, shame and all those things that are the root of the problems you see when it comes to addiction, a disorder or a craving for control. Often the root is quite similar but it’s outworked in a different way, so sharing through groups hopefully people can find kinship, companionship and community by other people sharing.”

Ultimately, the goal is to offer help to those in the community that need it by giving them an opportunity they may not have elsewhere.

Michelle said: “The ideal outcome would be seeing people come to Christ, seeing people come and be relieved. I imagine many people come very heavily burdened by what’s going on in their life. To see them lay that burden aside and want to go and see them change, but wanting to go and help other people. It’s a reproduction.

“I’ve known people who have been in addiction and it’s a terrible place but when you see them change and flourish, then go out into society and help other people - that’s what I’d like to see from people here.”

Members of the Cinderford and wider Forest of Dean community who may be in need of a group like this are encouraged to give Celebrate Recovery a go. Michelle urged people not to be discouraged by the fact it’s a church and not to be scared.

She said: “Behind closed doors, there are so many things that we don’t see. Behind the smile on our face. Come and have a go, open up and see what a difference your life can be.”

If you are interested to learn more about the group, you can drop into the Forest of Dean Community Church, email [email protected] or call 07470 396554.

Alternatively, you can simply turn up to the first meeting on November 3 and see if it works for you.

You can find more information about Celebrate Recovery UK and its history by visiting its website.

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